Greetings all!

​

As Thanksgiving approaches, I like to appreciate our amazing members, and the progress made this year. Sierra Club Connecticut’s members and volunteer leaders are what makes our community so successful! That means YOU! You make it fun and worthwhile! We couldn’t do it without all of you and we sincerely appreciate all you do!

​

Welcome Julianna!

​

I’m excited to announce that Sierra Club Connecticut has just added a fourth member to our staff! Julianna Larue has come on board as a full time organizer (this expands the part time organizer position formerly held by Ann Gadwah). Julianna will focus on legislative work and organizing in support of our policy goals. Julianna loves to hike with her rescue dog, Rudy. “Meet” Julianna by reading about her in this issue!

​

Did you know that our Connecticut Chapter of the Sierra Club has two smaller Groups in-state: the Shoreline group and the Greater Hartford group? Each group sponsors their own programs and projects throughout the year, which you can find on our Events and Outings page. Here are their upcoming programs.

 

On November 13 the Hartford group will have a program about Plum Island and the efforts to save it at 7:30 p.m. in West Hartford. Register here.

​

On December 8 the Shoreline Group will host Climate, Clean Energy, and Connecticut at 2 p.m. in the Old Saybrook Library. The program will include presentations and discussion about the causes and impacts of climate change, how Connecticut is doing on efforts to address the issue, and solutions that can be implemented. Register here.

 

The many environmental hazards we are living with may seem overwhelming. But there are things we can do to help prevent adding to the problems. Here are some ideas for reducing the number of tiny bits of plastic you send down the drain and into our water every time you wash your clothes.

​

Microplastics in Your Home – Tips to Reduce Microfibers in Your Laundry

Microplastics have been found globally, from the highest mountains to the deepest marine ecosystems, and in their animal inhabitants from small to large. Just today I read that biologists have tested the breath of dolphins and found – microplastics! They are in our air, soil, water, and food – and in us! In our bodies, microplastics may cause inflammation and are linked to cancers, reproductive problems,  and other serious health impacts.

​

One of the main sources of microplastics found in the environment is our laundry. 

 

Today, 60% of our clothing is made from synthetic fabrics, especially polyester. These are manufactured from fossil fuels, compounding the environmental damage. When washed, our clothing sheds tiny plastic particles called microfibers. They wash down the drain with the wash water into our soil and waterways and end up in the ocean where they are consumed by marine life, then make their way up the food chain. 

 

“Right now, it’s estimated that fibers are, by count, the single largest contributor to watershed plastic pollution in developed countries and account for a significant portion of plastic waste entering the ocean.” An estimated 1.4 million trillion microfibers are estimated to be in our oceans; 0.6 – 1.7 million tons of microfibers are released into our oceans annually. In our own homes, a single wash cycle may release 700,000 microfibers. Microplastics may contain toxic additives such as bisphenols and phthalates. Microfibers may also contain fabric dyes, flame retardants, and anti-wrinkle or water proofing chemicals, from the PFAS group.

​

What can you do?

There are a number of simple ways to reduce microfibers in your laundry. Many of these tips can also save electricity and water, saving you on your bills!

​

DON’Ts – Practices to avoid

• DON'T wash clothes after every wear unless necessary. Over washing accelerates microfiber shedding. 

• DON'T buy clothing made from synthetic fibers like polyester or acrylic. These materials contribute significantly to microplastic pollution. 

• DON'T use detergents with harmful chemicals that can exacerbate microfiber shedding. 

• DON'T overload your washing machine, as it increases friction and fiber shedding. 

• DON'T use hot water unnecessarily. High temperatures can increase the release of microplastics from synthetic fabrics. Opt for cold or lukewarm water. 

 

DO’s – Eco-friendly laundry practices

• DO opt for clothing made from natural materials like cotton, wool, or bamboo. 

• DO wash clothes less frequently to reduce wear and tear. 

• DO use shorter, colder wash cycles to lessen fiber shedding.

• DO choose detergents free from harsh chemicals, and use less detergent. Look for biodegradable or plant-based options. 

• DO wash full loads as they are gentler on fabrics. 

• DO invest in an energy-efficient washing machine. Front load washers create less friction, so less microfibers are released.

• DO use a filter in your washing machine to capture microplastics. It helps capture and prevent microplastics from entering wastewater. DO regularly clean and maintain the filter.

• DO air dry clothes instead of using the dryer. 

• DO use dryer balls if you must use a dryer.

 

There are products on the market to capture microfibers from your wash or dry cycles. Some, like non-shedding laundry bags or balls ($25-$30), capture about one third of the fibers. Adding a filter to your machine is more expensive (approximately $150) but can capture about 90% of the microfibers. Similar filters are available for clothes dryers, but a one-at-a-time fix is unrealistic. Some companies are beginning to include built-in filters on their machines, adding about $14-$20 to the cost. A few countries and U.S. states are considering requiring these. 

 

While we, as consumers, can take these steps at home, we need to let manufacturers know that we want them to protect our environment. Ultimately, the textile industry needs to find ways to create textiles that will not shed.

 

Sources: 

• Microplastic pollution is everywhere, even in the exhaled breath of dolphins – new research. The Conversation, October 16, 2024

• Laundry is a top source of microplastic pollution. Here’s how to clean your clothes more sustainably, PBS, January 13, 2024; reprinted from Weis Judith, The Conversation, January 12, 2024

• PlanetCare_Laundry_Guide.pdf 

• Microfiber Pollution in the Earth System – PMC, National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov), Dec 6, 2022

• Stobbe, Mike, Microplastics are everywhere but are they harming us?, AP, August 5, 2024

• The Story of Microfibers FAQ, The Story of Stuff

 

With thanks,

Susan

​

Susan Eastwood is Chapter Chair of Sierra Club Connecticut.